Okay, let me tell you about my absolute go-to dinner when I need something quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious: White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers! Forget those bland, dry chicken patties you might be thinking of. These burgers are seriously juicy, bursting with cheesy goodness from melty white cheddar, and packed with fresh spinach for a little somethin’ somethin’. I basically live on these during busy weeks because they’re so easy to whip up, and they feel like such a treat. Every time I make them, my family devours them, and honestly, I feel pretty good about serving up something this tasty and wholesome. It’s my little secret weapon for a happy, healthy meal!
Why You’ll Love These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
Super Speedy to Make: Seriously, you can have these mixed and ready to cook in about 15 minutes flat. Perfect for those nights when you’re starving and don’t have forever to cook!
Packed with Flavor: The white cheddar gets all melty and gooey, and the fresh spinach adds a lovely, subtle earthiness that just makes the whole burger sing. Plus, that hint of garlic and onion powder? Chef’s kiss!
A Healthier Twist: We’re using ground chicken instead of beef, so it’s a little lighter but still totally satisfying. The spinach adds extra goodness without you even noticing it’s there!
Total Crowd-Pleaser: Even the picky eaters in my house gobble these up. They’re familiar enough to love, but exciting enough to feel special.
Super Versatile: Don’t feel tied to just a bun! These patties are fantastic on a salad, tucked into a pita, or even served with roasted veggies. Get creative!
Easy to Customize: Want a little kick? Add some red pepper flakes! Not a fan of spinach? Try finely chopped kale! You can totally make them your own.
Ingredients for Delicious White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
Alright, let’s talk about what goes into these amazing burgers! It’s actually a pretty straightforward list, which is part of why I love them so much. Make sure you’ve got these goodies on hand:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese, really pack it in there!
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped. Don’t use canned, fresh is key here!
- 1/4 cup basic breadcrumbs (panko works great too, if you like a little crunch)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- A good pinch of salt, I usually reach for kosher salt, like you can read about here.
- A few grinds of black pepper
- And of course, 4 nice burger buns!
That’s pretty much it! We’ll talk about toppings later, but these are the building blocks for pure burger perfection.
Crafting the Perfect White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers: Step-by-Step
Okay, let’s get these amazing burgers into patty form! It’s really not complicated, but there are a few little things that make a big difference in how they turn out. Here’s how I do it:
Mixing the White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burger Base
First things first, get your ground chicken into a nice big bowl. Toss in that shredded white cheddar, the finely chopped fresh spinach, breadcrumbs, the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Now, and this is important, mix it all together *gently*. You just want everything combined, no more! Overmixing makes chicken burgers kind of tough, and we want them nice and tender.
Forming and Cooking Your White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
Once it’s all just mixed, divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions. Gently shape each one into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Try to make them roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Heat up your grill or a skillet to medium heat – I love using my cast iron skillet for this! Add a tiny bit of oil if you’re using a skillet. Cook the patties for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown color and, most importantly, that they’re cooked all the way through. The cheese will be all melty and gooey inside! If you’re grilling, you might need to nudge the heat up just a hair. And a little tip: don’t overcrowch your pan or grill; give those burgers some breathing room!
Assembling Your White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
While the burgers are cooking or just finishing up, give your buns a quick toast on the grill or in the skillet – it adds such a nice touch! Then, just pile on your favorite toppings. Lettuce, tomato, a little mayo… whatever makes your heart sing. Boom! Perfect burger, ready to eat.
Tips for the Best White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but like with anything good, there are a few little tricks I’ve picked up that really make these White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers sing. Trust me, following these will take your burgers from “good” to “OMG, I need another one!”
First, don’t overmix the chicken. I know I said it before, but it’s so important! When you mix too much, you break down the proteins, and that makes your burgers tough and rubbery instead of juicy and tender. Just mix until everything is *barely* combined. Think gentle folding, not vigorous kneading.
Next, use good quality white cheddar. You know, the kind that actually melts beautifully! A sharp white cheddar gives you more flavor, so don’t be shy. And fresh spinach is a must; dried or frozen just won’t give you that vibrant color and fresh taste that makes these burgers so special. You can find out more about fresh greens here, but honestly, for burgers, just get the freshest you can find!
Also, don’t flatten the patties too much when you cook them. When they’re on the grill or in the pan, resist the urge to press down on them with your spatula. That just squeezes out all those delicious juices and the melty cheese we worked so hard to get in there! Let them cook undisturbed on each side.
And maybe my favorite tip? Toast your buns! Seriously, it makes such a difference. A quick toast on the grill, in a dry pan, or even under the broiler gives them a little stability and prevents them from getting soggy, plus that toasty flavor is just *chef’s kiss*.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
So, you’ve got the basic ingredients, but let’s chat about making them *perfectly* you! For the white cheddar, I really love using a good sharp white cheddar because it melts like a dream and has a great bite. But honestly, a milder white cheddar works totally fine too! If you can’t find white cheddar, a good Monterey Jack or even a mild yellow cheddar would be yummy, though you won’t get quite that same clean, sharp taste. And for the spinach – if you’re really in a pinch and can only find frozen, just make sure it’s completely thawed and squeezed out *super* dry so you don’t add too much moisture. You can even get creative and use finely chopped kale in a pinch, kind of like in this pasta dish, but it’s a bit heartier!
Make-Ahead and Storage for Your White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
Life is busy, right? So, you can totally make these burger patties ahead of time, which is a total lifesaver for weeknight dinners. Just mix up the chicken patty mixture, form them into patties, and then wrap them up really well in plastic wrap or pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for about 2 days. Honestly, I like to make a bigger batch on Sunday and have them ready to go for Monday or Tuesday. If you’re freezing them, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap, then stick them in a freezer bag. They’re best used within about 2 months for the freshest flavor!
Variations on White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
You know, the beauty of *these* White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers is they’re a fantastic base for getting creative! Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the white cheddar for some pepper jack if you want a little kick, or even a bit of smoked gouda for a deeper flavor. You could also mix in some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean vibe, or toss in a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other spices. It’s kind of like that garlic butter chicken skillet I make – you can tweak it endlessly! I’ve even added a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a nice little heat boost. Get bold with your flavors!
Serving Suggestions for White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
These burgers are so versatile, they practically beg to be paired with something delicious! I love serving them with a big, fresh salad – maybe my bright beet salad with feta or a refreshing watermelon and cucumber salad, especially when it’s warm out. Roasted sweet potato fries or a simple side of steamed green beans are also fantastic choices!
Frequently Asked Questions about White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
Got questions about these yummy burgers? I totally get it! Here are a few things people often ask me, and hopefully, this helps clear things up!
Can I make these White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix up your burger mixture and even form the patties up to two days in advance. Just keep them covered tightly in the fridge. It makes getting dinner on the table on a busy night SO much easier.
What’s the best way to prevent chicken burgers from drying out?
The keys are not overmixing the chicken and making sure you’ve got that good cheese and spinach in there! The moisture from the cheese and spinach, plus the egg and breadcrumbs, really helps keep them nice and juicy. Also, don’t overcook them! Cook until they’re just done.
Can I substitute the spinach in these chicken burgers?
Sure thing! If spinach isn’t your jam, you can try finely chopped kale, but make sure to chop it really small. Some people even use finely chopped bell peppers or a bit of shredded zucchini (squeeze out the extra water really well!) for a different veggie punch.
Do I have to use white cheddar cheese?
While white cheddar is delicious and melts so nicely, you can totally use other cheeses too! Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, or even a little mozzarella would be great. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well for that gooey factor we love!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are pretty great from a nutritional standpoint too! Keep in mind these numbers are just estimates, okay? They can bounce around a bit depending on exactly what ingredients you use and how you cook them. But generally, one burger packs a good punch with about 450 calories, around 35g of protein, and a decent amount of healthy fats. It’s lean fuel that tastes amazing!
Share Your White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burger Creations!
Okay, now it’s your turn! I absolutely LOVE hearing about how your cooking adventures turn out. Did you try these White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers? Did you add anything special? Please, please, leave a comment below and tell me all about it! And if you snapped a picture (because I know you did!), feel free to tag me on social media. I’d be thrilled to see your delicious creations. You can also check out more about my kitchen adventures over here!
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Zero Carb Yogurt Bread
- Total Time: 65 min
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A simple recipe for a bread made with zero carb ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup psyllium husk powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and eggs until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, you can bake the bread for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: zero carb bread, keto bread, low carb bread, yogurt bread, almond flour bread, psyllium husk bread
White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Chicken
Description
Juicy chicken burgers packed with white cheddar cheese and fresh spinach.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, mayonnaise
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, white cheddar cheese, spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form into patties.
- Cook the patties on a preheated grill or in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Toast the burger buns if desired.
- Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the mixture.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken burger, white cheddar, spinach, cheese burger, grilled chicken, easy dinner